Swimming pool and deck

ABSTRACT

A swimming pool comprising a sidewall formed from connected sheets extending substantially vertically, a continuous deck extending around the pool and comprising a series of modular panels connected together at the ends thereof to provide rigidity and integrated with said side wall by coping means which connect the edges of said deck panels nearest the pool to the upper edges of said sidewall panels to provide an articulated rigid structure composed of components which can be fabricated in a factory, packaged and shipped to an installation site for erection. Several different types of copings are used respectively for side portions of the pool which are straight and side portions of a free form, i.e., curved, nature. Simple perpendicular supporting members support the deck panels vertically and the sidewalls horizontally.

United States Patent [191 Weir et al.

[54] SWIMMING POOL AND DECK [75] Inventors: Donald H. Weir; Donald H.Witte,

both of York, Pa.

[73] Assignee: lFox Pools, llnc., York, Pa.

[22] Filed: Apr. 6, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 131,638

[ Aug.7, i973 3,631,545 l/l972 Orndorff 4/l72.l9

Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis Attorney-C. Hercus Just [57] ABSTRACT Aswimmingpool comprising a sidewall formed from connected sheetsextending substantially vertically, a continuous deck extending aroundthe pool and comprising a series of modular panels connected together atthe ends thereof to provide rigidity and integrated with said side wallby coping means which connect the edges of said deck panels nearest thepool to the upper edges of said sidewall panels to provide anarticulated rigid structure composed of components which can befabricated in a factory, packaged and shipped to an installation sitefor erection. Several different types of copings are used respectivelyfor side portions of the pool which are straight and side portions of afree form, i.e., curved, nature. Simple perpendicular supporting memberssupport the deck panels vertically and the sidewalls horizontally.

24 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENIED 7 3,750,197

SHEEI10F3 E I --44 g; I 370 i: I

55 l 72 ii I FIG. 3

INVENTORS DONALD H. WEIR DONALD H. WITTE PAIENIEUAUB Hm 3.750.197

I EDGE [155 WEBB]: DUDE] [15mm BUDDIES 'TJIJEEIIEJDDEI B ijmtjrjljmmmmtm4:] EJEJUUUEJUEJEWZ M1 EXJUUEJEJEJI JE JU 9 INVENTORS DONALD H. WEIRDONALD H. WITTE AT ORNEY SWIMMING POOL AND DECK The swimming poolindustry has experienced an extensive expansion in recent years in theexpanding economy of this country and the availability of greateramounts of leisure time. The development of various types of pools whichat least partially can be prefabricated in factories probably has atleast been somewhat responsible for the expansion of such industry. Theuse of flexible, sheet-type impervious liners of plastics also hasrendered the building of domestic-type swimming pools for home usecapable of being manufactured and installed at relatively reasonableprices, and this too, has facilitated the expansion of the industry.

A number of swimming pools of the type referred to have beenmanufactured and installed in which appropriate copings of various typeshave been applied to the upper edges of the sidewall structures andthereby produce a suitable finish to the upper edge of the pool. In manytypes of pools, however, it is desired to have either a partial orcontinuous deck of appreciable width adapted to the pool around theupper edge thereof. In view of the fact that the pool normally is builtin an area such as open lawn, whereby the finished pool is unprotectedand subjected to all types of weather elements, such a deck must be ofdurable nature.

In order to provide a suitable deck capable of withstanding all types ofnormal weather, the general practice at present and heretofore has beento form such decks of concrete, either reinforced or otherwise, the deckbeing formed by constructing a suitable form on the site, such as on theupper surface of backfill which surrounds the pool, for example,especially in relation to what is known as in-the-ground pools. Undersuch circumstances, the poured concrete deck is of a substantiallycontinuous nature and examples of these are illustrated in prior US.Pat. Nos. 3,371,455 and 3,511,002. Installation of this type of deckrequires skilled operators, forms, available mixed concrete, and istherefore expensive.

In regard to pools which are of the so-called abovethe-ground type, suchas illustrated in sheet 2 of the drawings of said prior US. Pat. No.3,371,455, horizontally extending decks may be suitably constructed fromwooden planks extending longitudinally around the upper perimeter of thepool and appropriately braced and supported by wooden brace means suchas illustrated in said patent.

Particularly for purposes of rendering pools of the aforementioned typesusceptible of being more extensively or, preferably, completelymanufactured by factory means, the present invention has resulted fromefforts generally directed toward (1) decreasing the cost of both theswimming pools and installation thereof, and especially decks adapted tobe installed therewith, and (2) minimizing the amount of on-the-sitemanual labor such as now required to install decks made from suchmaterials as poured concrete, wooden planks and the like which requirethe use of skilled labor to produce, thereby adding to the overall costof the pool. Accordingly, the present invention provides various typesof modular deck panels and effective but simple means to support andconnect the same to other elements and features of the swimming pool,details of which are described hereinafter and illustrated on theattached drawings comprising part of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the principal object of the presentinvention to provide a swimming pool constructed substantially entirelyof components and elements which may be produced in a factory and thenpackaged and shipped to the site of installation of the pool, where thepool may be installed with a minimum amount of labor and hand operationand result in a rigid, integral pool having a continuous rigid decksurrounding the same, whereby the pool is capable of long life andresistant to all forms of normal weather conditions, pressures, andloads.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of differentembodiments of modular-type deck panels which, in general, may besupported by sturdy means which are simple to manufacture and installand which are connected directly to the sidewall panels of the pool tobrace the same to counteract the water pressureof the pool and providesuch aforementioned rigid structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide coping means which, ingeneral, integrates the deck and sidewalls into a rigid structure byconnecting the edges of the deck panels which are nearest the pool tothe upper edges of the sidewall panels of the pool, said sidewall panelspreferably being composed of metal sheets connected together at the endsthereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide one embodiment ofmodular deck panels which may be formed from sheet metal and the upperedges of the sidewall panels of the pool are formed to extend rearwardlyin the nature of a horizontal flange upon which one edge of the deckpanels rest directly for support.

A still further object of the invention is to utilize a plurality ofsimple perpendicular supporting members which are preferablysubstantially planar and extend radially outward from the rearwardsurfaces of the sidewall panels, the upper edges thereof supporting thedeck panels, the lower edges resting on footers in the soil, and oneside of said supporting members being directly connected to appropriateflanges or the like which extend perpendicularly rearward from saidsidewall panels, said supporting members having simple flanges orequivalent means preferably along all edges, which extendperpendicularly to the plane thereof, to brace said members againstbending while sustaining vertical and horizontal pressure forces.

Still another object of the invention is to provide coping means whichare connected to the deck panels by receiving means for receiving aportion of the forward edges of the various different embodiments ofmodular type deck panels which comprise part of the invention, saidcoping means also having means which either receive or are otherwiseconnected to the upper edges of the sidewall panels of the pool in orderto effect firm connection between said sidewall panels and deck panelsand thereby integrate the same.

Details of the foregoing objectsof the invention, as well as otherobjects thereof, are set forth in the following specification andillustrated in the accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. l is a top plan view of an exemplaryswimming pool employing two different shapes and types of modular orarticulated type deck panels constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section showing one type of deck panel asseen on the line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view of oneembodiment of the deck panel of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, saidfigure also illustrating one embodiment of coping means whichincorporates principles of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing details of connectingmeans as seen on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear surface of an exemplarysidewall panel comprising part of the inventron.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of deck panel whichincorporates the principles of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 as seen onthe line 77 of said figure.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of a still furtherembodiment of deck panel illustrated in association with the copingstructure shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional view of theright-hand portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of deck panel shown inFIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bracing and supportingmember.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but illustratinga still further embodiment of deck panel, supporting means therefor andcoping structure which is especially suited for use in the deck shown inFIG. 1, as seen on the line l212 of said figure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the under surface of the embodiment ofdeck panel shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view of the deck panel shown in FIGS.12 and 13 as seen on the line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a sectional fragmentary view of still another type of deckpanel which may be used with a pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary outline ofswimming pool 10 is illustrated for purposes of showing relativelystraight sides 12 and a straight end 14, as well as a so-calledfree-form, curved or arcuate portion 16. Certain of the plurality ofembodiments of modular deck panels and coping means illustratedhereinafter respectively are best suited either for use along thestraight sides or free-formed sides as will be explained in detailhereinafter with respect to the various embodiments. As indicated above,one of the principal objectives of the invention is to providecomponents and elements ofa swimming pool which primarily can bemanufactured in a factory with labor-saving machinery, or otherwise, andthereby enable the pool manufacturer to (l) minimize cost and (2)produce a pool, which when packaged and all components thereof aredelivered to the site of installation, a quality type and structurallysound swimming pool can be installed at minimum cost by utilizingcertain of the embodiments described hereinafter.

The manufacture of deck panels 18 which are arcu- 6s ate, and regardlessof whether the same are ofa convex or concave nature for use in theaforementioned socalled free-form portions of swimming pools, offerslightly greater difflculty, in general, to manufacture than the deckpanels 20, for example, which are adapted to be employed along thestraight sides or ends of the swimming pool. This primarily is due tothe fact that, at least in general, different types of structuralprinciples and utilization of different types of coping arrangementseither may or must be employed to produce a satisfactory deck panel andresulting satisfactory fabricated swimming pool.

One embodiment of deck panel 18 which readily lends itself to use infree-form sections of swimming pools is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 inwhich the body 22 of the deck panel is formed from a suitable mixture ofconcrete, one form of which may be the lighter weight, cellular type. Areinforcing metal grid 24 or similar reinforcing means may be disposedin the lower portion of the panel by suitably placing the same in a moldwhen the panel is being poured. The plan view of such panel may be asshown in FIG. 1, for example, or otherwise, and an appropriate shape ofmold is utilized to form the desired shape of panel.

The thickness of the panel is commensurate with the width thereof so asto be capable of sustaining normal vertical loads conventionally imposedupon swimming pool decks. If desired, a layer of carpet 26, such as oneof the current types of so-called all-weather carpet now popularlyemployed for outdoor use, may be appropriately cemented or otherwiseaffixed to the upper surface of the panel. In addition to the decorativeeffects,

such carpet aids in minimizing weather effects upon the panels. Also,flange-like connecting means 28 are connected to each panel adjacent therear edge thereof and respectively flush with the adjacent end surfacesof adjoining panels as shown, for example, in FIG. 4.

Connecting means 28 are provided with downwardly extending ears 30. Saidears have aligned holes therein to receive connecting bolts 32, whichalso extend.

through a suitable hole in the adjacent corner 34 of a perpendicularsupporting member 36 which, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 1 1, preferably issubstantially planar and in plan view may be square or rectangular, orany other suitable geometrical configuration capable of affording rigidvertical support and resist distortion. By way of example and notlimitation, member 36 may be formed from a suitable guage of sheetsteel, preferably galvanized or otherwise rendered rust resistant.Preferably, a narrow portion of all the edges thereof are bendperpendicularly to the plane of the sheet to provide marginal bracingflanges 34a, 37b, 37c and 37d, to prevent flexing of the supportingplate appreciably from its normally flat condition where in use.

The sidewalls of the pool preferably are composed of a plurality ofsidewall panels 38 which are formed from sheet metal of suitable gauge.The adjacent ends of such panels are connected together by any suitablemeans, such as, for example, rearwardly extending flanges 42 at oppositeends of the panel, as shown in FIG. 5. Said flanges are provided with aseries of evenly spaced holes through which connecting bolts 43 may beinserted to clamp the sidewall panels together. In addition, the panelspreferably are provided with bracing members 44 which preferably areL-shape in crosssection. A series of these are spaced evenly across therear surface of each of the sidewall panels 38 and are suitablyconnected thereto such as by a series of spotweldments. The oppositeends of the rearwardly extending flanges 46 also are provided withaccurately spaced holes respectively adjacent opposite ends thereof forpurposes to be described.

Preferably, the swimming pool is provided with one of said perpendicularsupport members 36 for each of the bracing members 44, as well as eachpair of connected end flanges 42 of the sidewall panels 33. Saidsupporting members normally are disposed within a vertical plane andextend substantially perpendicularly from the rear surface of thesidewall panels 38, whether the panels 38 are straight or curved.

The supporting members 36 not only firmly support the deck panels 18 and20, which are interconnected thereto in various ways described in detailhereinafter, but very importantly, said supporting members 36 greatlyfacilitate the installation and the assembly of the swimming poolcomponents, especially the sidewall panels 38 and, in addition, firmlybrace the same against movement of any kind resulting from the pressureof the water in the pool when the pool is in use.

During installation of a pool and especially one of the in-the-groundtypes of pool, upon the completion of excavation, footer holes 48 areprepared in accurate position, at accurately determined levels, for thereception of anchor means comprising footers 50 and 52 which preferablyare a suitable concrete mix. Before the concrete sets, the bottomflanges 37d of supporting members 36 are positioned firmly upon theunset concrete by normal construction methods to "sight-in" the same inhorizontal alignment. Also, anchor pins 54 may be inserted throughsuitable holes in the bottom flange 37c of member 36 so as to projectinto the unset concrete of the footers 30 and 52 and become set therein.

The edge portion of each supporting member 36 which is nearest flange37b thereof receives additional connecting bolts 43 which also extendthrough suitable holes in the flanges 46 of bracing members dd andthereby effectively connect the bracing plates 36 to the rear surfaceportions of the sidewall panels 33 at transversely spaced location forthe full circumference of the pool. This arrangement effectively resultsin the supporting members 36 bracing the sidewall panels 33 againstlateral movement rearwardly away from the pool both when in use as wellas during erection of the pool.

Particularly to facilitate the utilization of curved or segmental-typedeck panels 13 in the pool structure, of which one exemplary shape isshown in plan view in FIG. 1, the present invention also includes copingmeans 66 which has limited flexibility and is of a composite nature.Said coping includes an arcuate forward nose portion 62 which is formedfrom a durable type synthetic resin by an extrusion method or otherwise.Said nose portion 62 provides safety against injury when engaged byswimmers. The lower edge of the member 62 is formed integrally with achannel member as which extends substantially vertically when installedin the pool, the'channel opening downwardly for the reception of theupper edge portion 66 of the sidewall panels 33.

integral with the channel member M is an additional longitudinallyextending channel-forming member 63 which closely receives the thickenedterminal edge '79 of a flexible liner sheet '72 which is of conventionaltype and may be formed from suitable synthetic resin, such as anappropriate vinyl composition. When the pool contains water, thepressure thereof holds the liner sheet 72 in close conformity with theinner pool surface of the sidewall panels 38. The lower edge of theliner sheet 72 which extends around the sidewall panels 38 is connectedat the lower edge thereof to the periphery of a bottom liner sheet 74see FIG. 2, which, for example, overlies a suitable layer '76 of packedsand.

The principal function of the composite coping means 60 is to receiveand support the forward edge portion 9a of the deck panel 18 within achannel 92 in a manner to integrate it effectively with the upper edgeof the sidewall panels 33 for vertical support of the forward edges ofthe deck panels 18 and/or 26. Channel 92 extends between the upperterminal edge 96 of coping member 60 and the upper edge 98 of channelmember 64 and the deck panel 18 rests upon said upper edge 98 forsupport thereby. If desired, after inserting the forward edges of panels13 and/or 20 within the coping 6 0 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, theremaining space within nose portion 62 may be filled with suitablematerial, such as concrete grout, by any suitable means, to providestabilityv to the shape of the coping, as well as durability thereto.

It will, therefore, be seen from the foregoing description that thestructure illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 provides highly effective, rigidmeans for supporting, interconnecting and locking together theembodiment of deck panels 13 illustrated therein with the sidewallpanels 33 and the composite coping means 60. Due to the supportingmembers 36 being securely anchored to the footers 30 and 52 at the loweredges thereof, the sidewalls of the pool are effectively braced againstlateral displacement rearwardly and the deck panels are supportedrigidly in substantially horizontal position and are braced verticallyby said members 36 which also effectively support the rearward edges ofthe deck panels.

The type of deck panels 13 which are particularly adapted for free-formcontours of swimming pools may be made from other materials and in adifferent manner from the concrete type of deck panels shown in FIGS. 2and 3. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, a deck panel 113' isshown in bottom plan view in FIG. 6 and, intransverse section, in FIG.7, as seen along the line 7--7 of FIG. 6. It is contemplated that thistype of deck panel may be molded from suitable synthetic resin ordie-cast from metal of appropriate strength and rigidity. The uppersurface thereof is substantially planar and, if desired, a sheet ofcarpet 196 of a type similar to the carpet 26 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, orany other suitable surface finishing material, may be cemented orotherwise affixed to'said upper surface of panel 13. To provideappropriate rigidity to the deck panels 16', they are molded in a mannerto provide the under surface thereof with a plurality of recesses R02 toprovide two sets of a plurality of parallel bracing ribs 1M and 1196which transversely intersect each other in a checkerboard manner. Thisarrangement also provides is preferably continuous rim member 1198 whichextends around the entire circumference of the panel 113.

One edge 11119, for example, of each of the panels 113' is adapted to beinserted within the supporting channel 92 of the composite coping means69 and the corner portions of the deck panel adjacent the opposite orrear edge M2 is provided with oversize recesses llld which are ofsuitable size to accommodate one end, for example, of a small connectingplate 113 having suitable bolt holes therein shown in FIG. 7. Aplurality of holes H6 are formed in the rim member 108 adjacent saidrecesses to accommodate the connecting bolts similar to bolts 32 shownin FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, certain of the recesses extending alongopposite sidewalls of the panels 18' are provided with spaced holes 116which may accommodate bolts, such as bolts 32, to connect abutting sideedges of adjacent panels 18' together, in a manner similar to thatdescribed relative to panels 18 in FIGS. 2 and 3. Plates 115 arelikewise secured in operative position by such bolts whichsimultaneously connect adjacent corner edges of panels 18 together. Theprojecting ends of plates 115 also have holes 116' to receive bolts toconnect the same to members 36 in a manner similar to that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3.

Although the exemplary illustration of an additional type of deck panelis shown in FIG. 7 as being substantially square or rectangular inshape, it is to be understood that the same may be of an arcuate orsegmental nature similar to the exemplary illustration of the deckpanels 18 in FIG. 1. Also, it is to be understood that the exemplarypattern of the molded ribs 104 and 106 of the panels 18', especially asillustrated in FIG. 6, is merely exemplary and not restrictive.

Suitable deck panels also may be formed from a plurality of metalsheets, not shown, one of which may have relatively large sized dimplesextending upward therefrom into engagement with a planar upper sheet andwelded thereto, for example. For this purpose, either steel or lighterweight material, such as an appropriate aluminum alloy may be used.Examples of this type of construction are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,258,892 and 3,380,217. Certain modifications may be required fromthose illustrated in said patents in order to produce edge flangessuitable for being connected to the upper ends of the brace member 34and also providing one edge which is suitable for insertion into thechannel 92 of the coping means 60.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, still another type of deck panel 18" is shownwhich in plan view, as illustrated in FIG. 10, is square or rectangular.It is to be understood, however, that the same may be made somewhatsegmental or otherwise be adapted for a free-form contour of a pool withwhich said deck panel is to be used. Essentially, the deck panel 18" isshown as being formed from wood and comprises side and end members 118.The ends may be connected by any suitable joint such as half-togetherjoints. Similarly, a number of strengthening wooden cross struts 120 maybe used. These, in conjunction with the side and end members 118, areselected as to size so as to afford adequate strength. The ends of thecross struts 120 may be connected to the side members 118 by anysuitable joint structure and the frame formed thereby is covered by anappropriate sheet of plywood 112, for example. Such plywood prefcrablyis of the so-called marine-type which is resistant to being affected bymoisture. The abutting side members 118 of adjacent panels 18" may besecured together firmly by bolts which may extend through holes 118'therein, such as shown in FIG. 10.

If desired, a covering sheet of carpet 12% is cemented or otherwisesecured to the upper surface of the plywood sheet 122 of panel 18". Thedimensions of the composite panel thus described are such that one edgethereof readily fits within the supporting channel 92 of the compositecoping means 60, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Otherwise, the copingmeans 60, as illustrated in said figures, is utilized in the same mannerand has the characteristics of the coping illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3and described in detail hereinabove. Screws 127 may be used to lock thepanels 18" to the channel 92 of the coping 60 by projecting throughsuitable holes in flange 37b of supporting member 36.

A somewhat modified form of deck panel from that shown in the precedingfigures and supported by another embodiment of supporting means upon thesidewall of the pool is illustrated in FIGS. 1244. It will be seen fromFIG. 12 in particular, supporting member 36 is shown which issubstantially the same as that shown in detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8.Accordingly, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 12 as in saidpreceding figures with respect to said supporting member 36. Theessential differences between the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-14 andthe embodiments shown in the preceding figures are as follows:

The exemplary deck panel 128 which is shown in FIGS. 12-14 preferably isformed from sheet metal such as either sheet steel or aluminum. Eachpanel, as shown best in FIG. 14, consists of a planar top sheet 130, theside edges 132 of which extend perpendicularly downward therefrom andthe terminal edge 134 of each side edge is bent inwardly to providefurther bracing for the panel. In use, the vertical dimension of thepanel is approximately about an inch and a half but this dimension isexemplary rather than restrictive.

The opposite forward edges 136 and rearward edges 138 of panel 128 alsoare bent downwardly perpendicularly from the top sheet to provideadditional strength for the panel. The side edge flanges 132 of thepanel, adjacent opposite ends thereof, also are provided with aplurality of holes 140 to receive bolts 142 by which the upper ends ofthe frame members 34 are connected to a pair of abutting panels, forexample, by means of said bolts extending through aligned holes inabutting side edges flanges 132 of adjacent deck pan els. A smallconnecting plate 143 or similar means, is used to connect the rear edgesof deck plates 128 to the upper edges of supporting member 36, as shownin FIG. 12, by means of additional bolts 142 passing through suitablyaligned holes in plate 143 and member 36. The rearward edges 138 of thepanels 128 thereby are rigidly and firmly supported by members 36.

The upper surface of each panel 128 also preferably is covered with alayer of carpet 144 by the same means and of the general typeillustrated in regard to the preceding embodiments relative to carpetlayers 26. If desired, the rearward edge 146 of carpet layer 144 mayextend downwardly along the rearward edge flange 138 of the panel,especially if the pool is of the above-theground type. Otherwise, thecarpet layer may terminate at the edge of the top sheet 130. Also, asshown in FIG. 12, the forward edge of the carpet layer 144 preferablyterminates a few inches from the forward edge flange 136 of panel 128for purposes described hereinafter.

To suitably strengthen the top sheet 130 thereof, the exemplary deckpanel 128 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing means illustratedin exemplary manner as being elongated channels 148, which may be formedfrom similar material to the top sheet 130. As best shown in FIG. 14,which is a view taken on the line l4-14 of FIG. 12, it will be seen thatthe channels 148 have laterally extending flanges which are connected tothe undersurface of top sheet 130 by suitable means such as a series ofspot-weldments or welds 150, shown in exemplary manner in FIG. 12. 'Theopposite ends of the channels M8 also may be suitable tack-welded orotherwise secured to the inner surfaces of the forward and rearward edgeflanges 136 and I38 of the panel 128. In use, the panels 128 areinstalled with the swimming pool in such manner that the elongatedchannels I48 preferably extend perpendicularly rearward from the planeof the sidewalls or end walls of the pool, as can be seen from FIG. 11.

The forward edge portions 136 of the deck panels 1128 are also securedto the sidewall panels 38 of the pool in a different manner from thatillustrated in the preceding embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, it willbe seen that the upper edges of the sidewall panels 36 preferablyterminate adjacent the upper surface of flanges 37c of supportingmembers 36 but the extreme forward edge portion of panel 128 directlyoverlies the immediately adjacent upper edge of sidewall panels 36 andconceivably may overhang the same slightly. The main support for theforward edges of panels 126 comprises members 36 which underlie theabutting and connected side edges of such panels. Also, as shown in FIG.12, it will be seen that the upper ends of the rearwardly extendingflanges 46 of bracing members 44 preferably terminate at a level nohigher than the upper surfaces of flanges 37c of supporting members 36.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 112-14 lends itself toutilizing a different form of coping from that described above withrespect to the preceding embodiments. Such coping 156 is shown in FIG.12 and may be of the type, for example, as shown in prior US. Pat. No.3,347,006 in the name of George C. Fox, dated Oct. 17, 1967. The coping156 comprises, for the ample, an arcuate coping member 158 per se and alongitudinally extending type of securing member 160. The securingmember 160 preferably is formed of suitable material such as syntheticresin of relatively stiff nature but slightly yieldable or suitablyresilient metal, so as to provide a pair of grooved members 162 and 1164which receive elongated ribs 166 and 166 which have enlarged terminaledges which are received with a snap fit within the grooves of members1162 and 16d. The coping member 158 per se preferably is formed frommetal such as an appropriate aluminum alley, or otherwise, by extrusion,for example, to provide sections thereof of appreciable lengths capableof ready handling for installation and shipping, such as of the order of8 or feet.

The securing member 160 also is provided in sections of appreciablelengths, similar to those, for example, in which the coping member 156is provided. The securing member is laid directly across the uppersurfaces of the forward portions of the previously installed andconnected deck panels 126 and holes are either provided within, or aredrilled on the site, through the central portions of the securing member160 at spaced locations therein. Said holes also extend through theforward edge portion of the deck panels IN and also, if desired, theflanges 37c of members 36, for the reception of securing bolts I70therethrough. The headed ends of the bolts preferably extend throughappropriate washers 172 which are disposed against the central portionsof the securing member 1166.

After the deck panels IN have been securely fastened to the supportingpanels 36 and the sidewall panels 36, and the securing member I66 hasbeen attached thereto, the coping members N6 are snapped into engagementwith the grooved members 162 and 16d of the securing member 1160. Thiscompletes the assembly of the coping with the deck panels and sidewallpanels. In general, the connected side edges of the deck panels aredisposed directly over the supporting members 36 for direct engagementtherewith. As also will be seen from FIG. I2, the rearward edge portionof the coping member 158 preferably overlies the forward edge portion ofthe carpet layer 144 to provide an esthetic, as well as servicablearrangement.

In addition to the various types of deck panels described hereinabove,it will be seen from the exemplary illustration in FIG. 15 that stillanother type may be used under most types of installations. The panelI74 shown in FIG. 15 comprises top and bottom sheets 176 and 178 ofsynthetic resin, preferably of a thermoplastic type and resistance todeterioration from exposure to ultra-violet rays. The thickness isselected in accordance with the tensile strength of the resin chosen tobe used so that the panel will resist appreciable bending in use. Thesheets 176 and 178 are spaced apart uniformly by a core sheet or memberof suitable foam resin of uniform' thickness. The opposite surfaces ofsaid core are bonded by resin cement or otherwise to the sheets 1'76 and176 to form a rigid, light weight panel of suitable thickness, such asthat of the other deck panels described above.

For purposes of securing the abutting edges of adjacent panels 17dtogethenthe side edges of each panel are provided with appropriateconnecting brackets 182 having ears extending into and bonded suitablyto the material of core and a perpendicular ear projecting beyond thelower face of the panel, in use. The latter ears of adjacent panels havealigned holes to receive connecting bolts 184. Said bolts also mayextend through appropriate holes in the upper portiong of supportingmembers 36 so as to connect said panels thereto. The forward edge ofeach panel 176 may be positioned within the supporting channel 92 ofcoping 6th, for example, for support thereby. Also, panels 1174 may havecarpet 186 or othercovering material firmly bonded to the upper surfacethereof both for esthetic appearance and protection from the weatherelements and the sun.

As has been stated above, the embodiment of deck panel 126 such a shownin FIGS. 12-14 primarily is of a nature that lends itself toinstallation along relatively straight sections of the sides or ends ofa swimming pool, whereby such type of deck panel is represented by theexemplary panels 20 shown in FIG. 1. However, all of the embodiments ofdeck panels illustrated in the preceding figures similarly may be madein square or rectangular configuration so as to be used along straightsections of the sides or ends of a swimming pool and the composite typeof coping 60 shown particularly in FIGS. 2 and 3 likewise may be usedalong such straight sides or ends of the pool, as well as along curvedconfigurations thereof.

Although the deck structures. including the supporting means describedhereinabove and illustrated in the figures of the drawings areparticularly suited for pools of the in-the-greund type, it is to beunderstood that such structures also are capable of being used in poolsof the above-the-ground type as long as the lower ends or edges of theupporting members 36 are securely onchored to the ground adjacent thepool or in appropriate foundation means of other types.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments ofswimming pool structural components and particularly, the deck panels,coping sections, sidewall and endwall panels, and perpendicularsupporting members described above, are the type which, substantially intheir entireties, can be manufactured under factory conditions, packagedand transported to the site of installation so as to minimize the needfor manual fabrication of individual components on the site. Obviously,it is necessary that manual labor be employed to assemble and connectthe various components comprising the pool walls, deck, supportingmembers, and coping structures. However, distinguished from theconstruction and methods of installing decks for pools of known types,wherein concrete in ready-mixed but unset condition must be conveyed tothe site and poured into forms which also must be prepared on the siteto form the decks, or the sawing and fitting of planks and erection ofsupporting frames under circumstances where wooden decks are desired,the present invention provides a pool construction which, in general,utilizes less skilled type of labor to install. Further, the element oftime in erecting the pool is less in regard to installing the pool,deck, supporting members and coping structures of the present inventionthan in regard to that required to erect conventional type pools.

Notwithstanding the fact that the present invention and certainembodiments thereof utilize certain features resembling portions ofstructures illustrated in preceding patents, the present inventionoffers improvements thereover, particularly in the supplying of modulartype deck panels, vertical supporting members and coping structureswhich lend themselves either to free-form shapes of pools or poolshaving straight sides and ends and in regard to which, when theinstallation of the pool has been completed, the interconnected,integrated modular sections of deck panels, supporting members andcoping structures results in producing a pool which is relatively rigidthroughout its entirety, even though composed of articulated components.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in its severalpreferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is notto be limited to the precise details herein illustrated and describedsince the same may be carried out in other ways falling within the scopeof the invention as illustrated and described.

We claim;

1. A swimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewallpanels positioned substantially vertically and connected at oppositeends thereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a modular deckcomprising a series of preformed deck panels each having a substantiallyhorizontal upper surface and means at the opposite ends thereof toconnect said panels securely to each other to form a rigid deck ofpredetermined length extending rearwardly from the upper edges of saidsidewall panels, coping means provided along the lower edge thereof witha longitudinally extending channel opening downwardly and receiving theupper edges of said connected sidewall panels and said coping having aforward nose portion and a channel extending longitudinally thereof andopening rearwardly therefrom to closely receive the forward edges ofsaid deck panels to rigidly connect said deck and sidewall panels, andsupport members extending substantially perpendicularly from and rigidlyconnected to the lower surfaces of said deck panels and the rearwardsurfaces of said sidewall panels to rigidly support said deck panelssubstantially vertically in use and brace said sidewall panels againstrearward movement.

2. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in which said deck panels areformed from sheet metal and include reinforcing means attached to theunder surface of said deck panels to brace the same against undueflexing, and the opposite side edges of said metal sheets extendingperpendicularly downward to form side flanges connectable directly tosimilar side flanges of adjacent panels and thereby comprise said meansat the opposite ends of said panels to connect the same together.

3. The swimming pool according to claim 2 in which said reinforcingmeans for said metal sheet deck panels comprise intermediate meansextending perpendicularly downward from the under surfaces of said metalsheets and also extending in horizontal directions between the oppositeforward and rearward edges of said deck panels to reinforce the same asaforesaid.

4. The swimming pool according to claim 2 further including meansconnecting the rearward portions of said side flanges of said deckpanels to said perpendicular supporting members and thereby implementthe rigidity imparted to said deck panels by said connected flanges atthe side edges of said panel.

5. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in which said sidewall panelsare provided with vertical ribs projecting perpendicularly rearwardlyfrom the surface of said panels defining said pool and spaced inhorizontal direction from each other, and said support members beingsubstantially planar and positioned substantially vertically in use andconnected at one edge to said vertical ribs and the upper edges of saidbracing members underlying and supporting at least the rearward ends ofthe side edges of said deck panels, and the lower portion of saidsupporting members being adapted to engage footers installed in theearth adjacent the pool and at a distance substantially below the deckpanels.

6. The swimming pool according to claim 5 in which said supportingmembers underlie and extend substantially perpendicularly downward fromthe connected side edges of said deck panels and thereby additionallybrace said panels against appreciable flexing.

7. A swimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewallpanels positioned substantially vertically and connected at oppositeends thereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a series ofpre-formed deck panels having means at the opposite ends thereof toconnect the same to each other into a deck of predetermined length, theupper surfaces of said deck panels being substantially horizontal andcommonly planar, coping means connected to the upper edges of saidsidewall panels and having a longitudinally extending channel openingrearwardly and adapted to receive the forward edge of each deck panel toconnect the same to and support the same with respect to said sidewallpanels, and substantially perpendicular support members interconnectedto at least the rearward opposite edges of said deck panels and operableto support the same in said substantially horizontal position relativeto said sidewall panels.

8. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said coping means isprovided with. a channel in the lower portion thereof opening downwardlyand receiving the upper edges of said sidewall panels for at "leastpartial support of said coping means thereby.

9. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said channel for saiddeck panels opens horizontally outward from the rear portion of saidcoping and receives the forward edges of said connected deck panelswhich are-nearest the swimming pool.

10. The swimming pool according to claim 9 in which said coping meanshas an additional channel in the lower portion thereof openingdownwardly and receiving the upper edges of said sidewall panels todirectly connect the forward edges of said deck panels to the upperedges of said sidewall panels and thereby rigidify the swimming poolstructure.

111. The swimming pool according to claim 13 in which said supportingmembers are substantially planar and have a rigid geometricalconfiguration, each of said members being substantially as wide as saiddeck panels and respectively connected along one edge to the rearwardsurfaces of said sidewall panels and extending perpendicularlyrearwardly therefrom and downwardly from said deck panels to support atleast the rearward edges of said deck panels.

112. The swimming pool according to claim 11 in which the rearward edgeportions of said deck panels have vertically extending flange-likemembers at the opposite ends thereof, and means connecting saidflange-like members of adjacent panels in abutting relationship tosecure the deck panels to each other and also connect the same to therearward upper ends of said supporting members for support of saidrearward edges thereby.

113. The swimming pool according to claim 12 in which said flange-likemembers comprise ears having extremities extending downwardperpendicularly from the lower surfaces of said deck panels and adaptedto be connected abuttingly to each other and to said perpendicularsupporting members.

1141. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said perpendicularsupporting members comprise sheet metal panels having a geometricalconfiguration comprising at least four edges, two adjoining edgesthereof being at a right angle to each other and respectively havingflanges extending perpendicularly to the plane of said members alongsaid adjoining edges respectively connectable to the rearward surface ofsaid sidewall panels and at least the rearward edge portions of saiddeck panels. 7

15. The swimming pool according to claim 14 in which all of said edgesof said panels have integral perpendicular flanges extending therealongto render said members rigid and resistant to appreciable flexing whilesupporting said deck panels and bracing said sidewall panels.

116. The swimming pool according to claim 11% in which the lower edgesof said supporting members are adapted to have the flange thereon restupon and be connectable to supporting footer means.

117. The swimming pool according to claim if in which the lower edges ofsaid supporting'members are substantially parallel to the upper edgesthereof and are substantially coextensive in length therewith.

w. A modular type deck panel for a swimming pool comprising a rigidcomposite member having a predetermined geometrical shape in plan viewand being of substantially uniform thickness at least at the peripherythereof, and means at opposite sides of said member adapted to abutsimilar means on other similar panels to be connected thereto inabutting relationship and operable to receive connecting means to securea plurality of said members together within a common plane, said meansalso extending below the normally lower surface of said members forconnection to a supporting member adapted to vertically support one edgeof said member relative to a pool wall, the opposite edge of said memberhaving opposite surfaces which are parallel and uniformly spaced forslidable reception within a channel of coping means to verticallysupport said opposite edge of said member.

R9. The deck panel according to claim 18 in which all edge surfaces ofsaid member are perpendicular to the planar normally upper surface ofsaid member and said member having bracing means extending across thelower portion of said member between opposite sides thereof to resistflexing of said member when sustaining loads in use.

20. The deck panel according to claim 18 further including a carpetlayer resistant to weather conditions affixed to the upper surface ofsaid member and covering the entire area thereof except along the edgeportion of the upper surface which is projected into said channel ofcoping means.

21. Supporting members for deck means of a swimming pool and beingsubstantially planar and of predetermined goemetric shape, one edgebeing adapted to engage the lower portion of said deck means and extenddownward therefrom to support the same, the opposite edge of saidsupporting member being adapted to interengage earth disposed outwardlybeyond the sidewalls of the pool for support thereby, said opposite edgebeing at least substantially as wide as the deck means to be supportedthereby, and a third edge of said members extending substantiallyperpendiculary to and between similar ends of said one edge and oppositeedge of said members and having means thereon adapted to connect saidthird edge to the rearward surface of thesidewall of said swimming pooland extend perpendicularly rearwardly thereform to brace said sidewallagainst rearward movement.

22. The supporting members according to claim 21 in which said membershave flanges extending integrally along at least certain edges to bracesaid edges against flexing.

23. The supporting members according to claim 22 in which said membersare formed from metal and have flanges extending integrally along alledges thereof.

2d. The supporting members according to claim 22 in which said edgeswhich are adapted to interengage earth and said edges which are adaptedto extend downwardly from the rearward edge of deck means of a pool havesaid flanges therealong respectively to abut earth and brace thevertical rearward edges of said members against flexing when supportingdeck means of a pool.

f t i t l

1. A swimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewallpanels positioned substantially vertically and connected at oppositeends thereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a modular deckcomprising a series of preformed deck panels each having a substantiallyhorizontal upper surface and means at the opposite ends thereof toconnect said panels securely to each other to form a rigid deck ofpredetermined length extending rearwardly from the upper edges of saidsidewall panels, coping means provided along the lower edge thereof witha longitudinally extending channel opening downwardly and receiving theupper edges of said connected sidewall panels and said coping having aforward nose portion and a channel extending longitudinally thereof andopening rearwardly therefrom to closely receive the forward edges ofsaid deck panels to rigidly connect said deck and sidewall panels, andsupport members extending substantially perpendicularly from and rigidlyconnected to the lower surfaces of said deck panels and the rearwardsurfaces of said sidewall panels to rigidly support said deck panelssubstantially vertically in use and brace said sidewaLl panels againstrearward movement.
 2. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in whichsaid deck panels are formed from sheet metal and include reinforcingmeans attached to the under surface of said deck panels to brace thesame against undue flexing, and the opposite side edges of said metalsheets extending perpendicularly downward to form side flangesconnectable directly to similar side flanges of adjacent panels andthereby comprise said means at the opposite ends of said panels toconnect the same together.
 3. The swimming pool according to claim 2 inwhich said reinforcing means for said metal sheet deck panels compriseintermediate means extending perpendicularly downward from the undersurfaces of said metal sheets and also extending in horizontaldirections between the opposite forward and rearward edges of said deckpanels to reinforce the same as aforesaid.
 4. The swimming poolaccording to claim 2 further including means connecting the rearwardportions of said side flanges of said deck panels to said perpendicularsupporting members and thereby implement the rigidity imparted to saiddeck panels by said connected flanges at the side edges of said panel.5. The swimming pool according to claim 1 in which said sidewall panelsare provided with vertical ribs projecting perpendicularly rearwardlyfrom the surface of said panels defining said pool and spaced inhorizontal direction from each other, and said support members beingsubstantially planar and positioned substantially vertically in use andconnected at one edge to said vertical ribs and the upper edges of saidbracing members underlying and supporting at least the rearward ends ofthe side edges of said deck panels, and the lower portion of saidsupporting members being adapted to engage footers installed in theearth adjacent the pool and at a distance substantially below the deckpanels.
 6. The swimming pool according to claim 5 in which saidsupporting members underlie and extend substantially perpendicularlydownward from the connected side edges of said deck panels and therebyadditionally brace said panels against appreciable flexing.
 7. Aswimming pool comprising in combination, a plurality of sidewall panelspositioned substantially vertically and connected at opposite endsthereof to each other to define a swimming pool, a series of pre-formeddeck panels having means at the opposite ends thereof to connect thesame to each other into a deck of predetermined length, the uppersurfaces of said deck panels being substantially horizontal and commonlyplanar, coping means connected to the upper edges of said sidewallpanels and having a longitudinally extending channel opening rearwardlyand adapted to receive the forward edge of each deck panel to connectthe same to and support the same with respect to said sidewall panels,and substantially perpendicular support members interconnected to atleast the rearward opposite edges of said deck panels and operable tosupport the same in said substantially horizontal position relative tosaid sidewall panels.
 8. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in whichsaid coping means is provided with a channel in the lower portionthereof opening downwardly and receiving the upper edges of saidsidewall panels for at least partial support of said coping meansthereby.
 9. The swimming pool according to claim 7 in which said channelfor said deck panels opens horizontally outward from the rear portion ofsaid coping and receives the forward edges of said connected deck panelswhich are nearest the swimming pool.
 10. The swimming pool according toclaim 9 in which said coping means has an additional channel in thelower portion thereof opening downwardly and receiving the upper edgesof said sidewall panels to directly connect the forward edges of saiddeck panels to the upper edges of said sidewall panels and therebyrigidify the swimming pool structure.
 11. The swimming pool according toclaim 13 in which said supporting members are Substantially planar andhave a rigid geometrical configuration, each of said members beingsubstantially as wide as said deck panels and respectively connectedalong one edge to the rearward surfaces of said sidewall panels andextending perpendicularly rearwardly therefrom and downwardly from saiddeck panels to support at least the rearward edges of said deck panels.12. The swimming pool according to claim 11 in which the rearward edgeportions of said deck panels have vertically extending flange-likemembers at the opposite ends thereof, and means connecting saidflange-like members of adjacent panels in abutting relationship tosecure the deck panels to each other and also connect the same to therearward upper ends of said supporting members for support of saidrearward edges thereby.
 13. The swimming pool according to claim 12 inwhich said flange-like members comprise ears having extremitiesextending downward perpendicularly from the lower surfaces of said deckpanels and adapted to be connected abuttingly to each other and to saidperpendicular supporting members.
 14. The swimming pool according toclaim 7 in which said perpendicular supporting members comprise sheetmetal panels having a geometrical configuration comprising at least fouredges, two adjoining edges thereof being at a right angle to each otherand respectively having flanges extending perpendicularly to the planeof said members along said adjoining edges respectively connectable tothe rearward surface of said sidewall panels and at least the rearwardedge portions of said deck panels.
 15. The swimming pool according toclaim 14 in which all of said edges of said panels have integralperpendicular flanges extending therealong to render said members rigidand resistant to appreciable flexing while supporting said deck panelsand bracing said sidewall panels.
 16. The swimming pool according toclaim 15 in which the lower edges of said supporting members are adaptedto have the flange thereon rest upon and be connectable to supportingfooter means.
 17. The swimming pool according to claim 15 in which thelower edges of said supporting members are substantially parallel to theupper edges thereof and are substantially coextensive in lengththerewith.
 18. A modular type deck panel for a swimming pool comprisinga rigid composite member having a predetermined geometrical shape inplan view and being of substantially uniform thickness at least at theperiphery thereof, and means at opposite sides of said member adapted toabut similar means on other similar panels to be connected thereto inabutting relationship and operable to receive connecting means to securea plurality of said members together within a common plane, said meansalso extending below the normally lower surface of said members forconnection to a supporting member adapted to vertically support one edgeof said member relative to a pool wall, the opposite edge of said memberhaving opposite surfaces which are parallel and uniformly spaced forslidable reception within a channel of coping means to verticallysupport said opposite edge of said member.
 19. The deck panel accordingto claim 18 in which all edge surfaces of said member are perpendicularto the planar normally upper surface of said member and said memberhaving bracing means extending across the lower portion of said memberbetween opposite sides thereof to resist flexing of said member whensustaining loads in use.
 20. The deck panel according to claim 18further including a carpet layer resistant to weather conditions affixedto the upper surface of said member and covering the entire area thereofexcept along the edge portion of the upper surface which is projectedinto said channel of coping means.
 21. Supporting members for deck meansof a swimming pool and being substantially planar and of predeterminedgeometric shape, one edge being adapted to engage the lower portion ofsaid deck means and extend downward therefrom to support the same, thEopposite edge of said supporting member being adapted to interengageearth disposed outwardly beyond the sidewalls of the pool for supportthereby, said opposite edge being at least substantially as wide as thedeck means to be supported thereby, and a third edge of said membersextending substantially perpendicularly to and between similar ends ofsaid one edge and opposite edge of said members and having means thereonadapted to connect said third edge to the rearward surface of thesidewall of said swimming pool and extend perpendicularly rearwardlytherefrom to brace said sidewall against rearward movement.
 22. Thesupporting members according to claim 21 in which said members haveflanges extending integrally along at least certain edges to brace saidedges against flexing.
 23. The supporting members according to claim 22in which said members are formed from metal and have flanges extendingintegrally along all edges thereof.
 24. The supporting members accordingto claim 22 in which said edges which are adapted to interengage earthand said edges which are adapted to extend downwardly from the rearwardedge of deck means of a pool have said flanges therealong respectivelyto abut earth and brace the vertical rearward edges of said membersagainst flexing when supporting deck means of a pool.